Ch. 931..940

Chapter 931

The morning light flooded the balcony, filling the room with warmth.

Candice slowly woke up from her sleep.

As she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the handsome face that had haunted her dreams throughout her youth.

The man was lying on his side. He was fast asleep next to her with his face facing her.

She blinked, feeling like she was dreaming. How was it possible that she would wake up to find Elio beside her?

She thought she was still dreaming, so she closed her eyes to adjust. After opening her eyes again, she found that the man in front of her was real.

She recalled that she was at the Campbell Residence last night. After welcoming Mervyn back and having a few drinks, she drunkenly fell asleep.

Drunk?

Candice suddenly realized that she had indeed gotten drunk, but why was she in Elio's bed right now? How did she end up here? Who had brought her to Elio's house?

The more she thought about it, the more nervous she became. She felt restless and uneasy for some reason.

She reached out from under the blanket as she wanted to touch Elio's face, but she hesitated. She lightly traced his brow, down the bridge of his nose then gently slid her finger downward.

Suddenly, Elio groggily opened his eyes.

Candice's fingers trembled. She was stunned for a few seconds before quickly withdrawing her hand.

Elio gazed into her eyes intensely.

His gaze made her feel shy and nervous. She lowered her eyes to avoid his stare. Her heart raced as she tried to think of something to say.

Suddenly, Elio said in a husky and low voice, "Candice, let's get our marriage certificate today."

Candice was stunned by his sudden proposal. She just stared at him in shock.

He wanted them to get their marriage certificate today?

It was so sudden that rendered Candice speechless, not knowing how to react. "We're already engaged, so why are you rushing?"

Elio said, "Since we're engaged, we'll eventually get married. We might as well do it sooner."

Candice explained, "It just feels too sudden. Besides, I haven't even met your parents yet."

Elio said, "We can meet them after we register."

Lacking confidence in himself and in Candice's feelings, Elio feared losing

, who held a significing

place in her heart.

Candice sat up and adjusted her hair. She changed the subject, "How did I end up at your place?"

Elio sat up as well. He moved closer to wrap his arms around her waist then rested his chin on her shoulder.

Candice was so nervous that her body tensed up.

Elio said, "You drank with Mervyn last night and fell asleep at his house. I went to bring you back."

Candice explained, "Actually, you didn't have to pick me up. The Campbells treat me like family."

Elio scoffed softly. He murmured, "Mervyn likes you."

"He sees me as his sister," Candice clarified.

Elio's arms tightened slightly around her. He said, "You're too naïve."

Candice nervously asked, "Are you doubting me?"

Elio sighed and murmured, "I'm not doubting you. I'm just guarding against Mervyn."

With a heavy mood, Candice lowered her head as she kept quiet.

V

As Elio took in her subtle fragrance he murmured with a hoarse voice, "Candice, don't think men are that simple. If he's good to you, he definitely has bad intentions."

After a moment of silence, Candice asked, "What about you?"

Elio froze in place as he was caught off guard by her question.

Candice asked seriously, "You've always been cold and distant to me. Now your attitude has changed completely, so what's your intention?"

She was hoping for a confession, even if it was just that he was attracted to her beauty.

If Elio had suddenly fallen for her, it wouldn't make sense.

Chapter 932

She had always been desperate to know why Elio was so eager to marry her.

At that moment, Elio didn't explain. He let go of Candice then got out of bed and walked into the bathroom.

Candice looked at his retreating back with disappointment.

She suddenly remembered what Josie had tried to tell her before.

At that time Josie wanted to tell her the truth, but she was afraid it would be bad news, so she chose not to listen.

She had been waiting for Elio to tell her the reason, but it seemed Elio had his own reasons for staying silent.

After getting out of bed, Candice stood barefoot on the floor and looked around for her shoes.

Only then did she realize that her phone and shoes were still at the Campbell Residence.

She sat back on the bed, lost in thought.

Moments later, Elio came out of the bathroom after washing up. He went to the wardrobe to take out a new pair of slippers. Then, he placed them in front of Candice and knelt down to put them on for her.

Candice gazed at his handsome face.

Elio looked up at her gently and said, "Go freshen up. I've prepared new toiletries for you."

"Elio," Candice called out as she looked at him excitedly. She asked, "Why do you want to marry me?"

Elio smiled gently and replied, "Does a man need many reasons to marry a woman?"

Candice said, "Of course, there can be many reasons. For example, power, wealth, beauty, childbirth, convenience, or even being forced."

Elio frowned in displeasure. He asked, "Shouldn't it be because of love?"

Candice didn't seem happy. Instead, she felt his answer was insincere. With a bitter smile, she lowered her head and murmured, "How could it be love if your partner is me?"

Elio stood up and patted her head. He said, "Go freshen up."

After saying that, he left the room.

After washing up, Candice went downstairs. She heard noises coming from the living room, so she hurried down the stairs.

She saw Mervyn grabbing Elio by the collar in the living room. Mervyn angrily shouted, "As long as I'm here, I won't let you have the chance to deceive Candice!"

1

"Mervyn, what are you doing?" Candice asked anxiously. She quickly rushed over and pried Mervyn's hand away from Elio. Standing in front of Elio, she glared at Mervyn and asked, "What the hell are you doing?"

Mervyn looked deeply hurt. He pointed at Candice with a pained expression and asked, "Candice, you're still defending him? Do you know how despicable and shameless this bastard is?"

Elio's face became grim. He nervously grabbed Candice's arm and said, "Candice, go back to the room."

"What have you done that you're afraid Candice will find out?" Mervyn said angrily.

Elio suppressed his emotions as his face grew even darker. He glared at Mervyn with anger.

Mervyn sneered. He pulled Candice to stand in front of him and said, "Candice, stay away from him. He's not the Elio you know. This kind of person will do anything to achieve his goals."

Candice felt sad seeing the two men arguing. She asked in confusion, "What exactly is going on?"

Elio nervously said, "Candice, go back to the room."

Mervyn scoffed, "Afraid she'll find out?"

Candice looked at Elio and then Mervyn. She felt extremely uneasy. She desperately wanted to know, but Elio's insistence made her not have the urge to listen.

Mervyn grabbed Candice's arm and

said, "Last night, he came to my house and forcibly took you away while you were drunk. I thought he was taking you home. I didn't expect this despicable man to bring you to his own house."

Candice retorted, "What does it matter? We're already engaged." "You guys are engaged, not married."

As Mervyn nervously gripped her shoulders, he looked into her eyes. He reminded her, "Candice, wake up and see clearly what kind of man he is. He has bad intentions toward you. Do you know the dirty tricks he's done behind your back?"

Chapter 933

Candice shook her head.

As Elio looked at her back, he clenched his fists to suppress his emotions. His eyes reddened and his heart ached.

Was his impending happiness about to be shattered? He was starting to panic.

Mervyn said earnestly, "Candice, I really don't want you to be deceived by him."

This was the same thing Josie had tried to tell her.

Her curiosity about how Elio had deceived her grew stronger. "Then tell me, what did he do?"

Just as Mervyn was about to speak, Elio walked over and grabbed Candice's hand. He said anxiously, "Candice, I'll drop you at work. You're going to be late."

Mervyn pushed Elio away. He yelled, "Stop pretending! Are you scared now? Why weren't you scared when you were deceiving Candice?" Elio angrily growled, "What did I deceive her about?"

Mervyn pushed Candice aside and rushed forward to grab Elio by the collar. He growled through gritted teeth, "Don't think I don't know about your dirty tricks. I've investigated everything.

"In the year of the college entrance exams, Candice was accepted by the same out-of-town university as me, but you intercepted her admission letter and switched it with one from a local university."

Candice was shocked. She stared at them in disbelief.

Elio was speechless. He was panicking as fear coursed through him. He was not afraid of Mervyn. But rather he was afraid of losing Candice because the truth could not always be hidden.

"Three years ago, Candice wanted to study abroad with me, but you paid the interviewers to reject her. You tampered with customs procedures to prevent her from going abroad and let her miss the chance to study with me.

"Also, her name wasn't on the business trip list for the overseas event recently. You specifically arranged for her to go, and even had her stay in the same room as you. Elie, you're despicable!"

Mervyn's accusations left Candice stunned. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"The incident where Candice was nearly harmed, wasn't that your meticulous plan?" Mervyn shouted angrily.

Elio coldly replied, "I admit to the previous actions, but the incident where Candice was almost harmed wasn't my doing."

Mervyn sneered, "Right, that

accident wasn't

your arrangement

because the real perpetrator got there before your act could be carried out. Your hired actors didn't even get a chance to perform their little show."

Elio clenched his fists as his blood boiled. His eyes were bloodshot as he looked at Candice with a mixture of regret and fear.

Candice stared at Elio in shock

because she still couldn't believe et

what she was hearing. She hoped to hear Elio explain that none of it was true.

Elio remained silent. He just looked at her with a remorseful and panicked expression.

Mervyn scoffed. He angrily said, "Elio, your dirty deeds aren't just limited to these. If we counted them all, it would take days."

Elio still remained silent and looked at Candice in melancholy.

Having vented his anger, Mervyn grabbed Candice's hand before leading her out. "Candice, let's go home," Mervyn said as they walked.

"You have to call off this engagement. You don't know him, so you have no idea how insidious he is."

As she was being dragged to the door, Candice felt suffocated and tears started to well up in her eyes.

She instinctively shook off Mervyn's hand. She ran back to Elio and choked out, "Don't you have anything to say to me?"

Chapter 934

Candice gazed at Elio with teary eyes as she waited for his answer.

Elio felt very guilty. As he looked at her forlornly, he said in a low voice, "Everything Mervyn said is true."

Candice was shocked. She demanded a reason from him because she couldn't believe it.

Elio clenched his fists to suppress his emotions.

Mervyn walked over and grabbed Candice's wrist. As he was about to leave, he said, "Let's go. There's nothing more to say to him."

Although Candice was still in shock, she let herself be dragged away by Mervyn.

Watching the woman he was about to marry left in front of him, Elio was heartbroken. He wondered how could someone as pure and kind as Candice ever understand or forgive his past actions?"

He walked to the sofa and sat on it. He leaned back against the sofa, looking up at the ceiling. He used his arms to cover his eyes as if to block out the sorrow.

He was suffering from a mixture of sadness, loneliness, and heartbreak.

In just a few days, he went from having all he desired to being left with nothing. His moment of happiness was just a fleeting moment.

...

Mervyn pushed Candice into the passenger seat before helping her to fasten her seatbelt. After that, he got into the driver's seat and buckled his own seatbelt.

After snapping out of her daze, Candice asked sadly, "Why should I leave? He hasn't explained anything to me."

"He doesn't dare to explain, so don't ask him anymore."

Candice unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the car door. At that moment, Mervyn quickly grabbed her arm. "What are you doing?"

"Elio is my fiancée. No matter what he's done, I deserve to hear his explanation," Candice said sadly. She feared that if she left now, her marriage with Elio would be over.

"No matter what his reasons are, his methods were dirty, despicable, and toxic. Do you still want to marry such a man?" Mervyn asked angrily. Candice looked at him with teary eyes. She asked, "You only came back yesterday. How do you know so much? How did you investigate this?" Mervyn was taken aback.

Candice demanded angrily, "Tell me the truth, or I'll cut you off!"

Mervyn admitted, "Fenna gave me the investigation report."

Candice was stunned. "Fenna? Josie's aunt?"

Candice was even more angry, so she forcefully shook off Mervyn's hand. "Even if you all say Elio is bad and despicable, I don't care!

"After the college entrance exams, I

didn't go to the same out-of-town

university as you, but the local university that admitted me was excellent. It wasn't any worse than the university that you went to.

"It was a pity I couldn't go abroad, but I met an incredible teacher there who unconditionally taught me everything she knew. I had these learning opportunities that other people didn't have!"

Mervyn retorted, "Even so, can you forgive Elio's actions? Do you know why he wanted to take you abroad? He did that because he wanted to set you up!"

"Set me up?"

"He wanted to seduce you," Mervyn said as he gritted his teeth. "He's probably been coveting you for a long time, that despicable man!" Candice pulled her hand back. "Mervyn, let me go! I need to talk to him?"

Mervyn angrily asked, "Why do you need to see him?"

With tears streaming down her face, she choked out, "Because he's my fiancé. We're getting married."

"Are you crazy? You still want to marry this man?"

Mervyn said earnestly, "You've seen

his true color and you're still not convinced. Someone as pure and kind as you should find a man who is kind and upright. Look at your dad, Nathan, or even my dad. Men like them are who you should be with, not Elio."

Candice forcefully withdrew her hand and then wiped away her tears. After getting out of the car, she said clearly, "Mervyn, this is my personal matter, Please stay out of it. Also, Josie's aunt is not a good person. Please stay away from her in the future."

Chapter 935

After getting out of the car, Candice strode toward the villa.

Mervyn got out of the car as well and chased after her.

Candice quickly ran into the villa. She slammed the door shut and locked it.

Mervyn banged on the door from outside.

Candice didn't open the door but slowly walked into the house.

Hearing the commotion, Elio lowered his arm and looked toward the entrance.

He hadn't expected Candice to come back. His sorrowful eyes showed a glimmer of hope. He sat up straight and stared at her with teary eyes. At that moment, the knocking outside ceased.

Candice stood before him and looked down at Elio who was seated on the sofa. She said, "Mervyn said you've coveted me for a long time. Is that true?"

Elio nodded reluctantly.

Candice nervously clenched her fists. She asked, "Do you know what 'covet' means?"

Elio replied, "Yes, I know. It means desiring something that doesn't belong to you."

Candice asked sadly, "Why can't you use a different word? For example, you can say you like me."

Elio looked at her in surprise.

As tears streamed down her face, Candice choked out, "I-I'm not a possession. I don't belong to anyone. Why did you covet me instead of liking me?" Elio immediately stood up. He nervously said with a trembling voice, "I did like you. That's why I did a lot of despicable things. I followed you, investigated you, and sabotaged every man around you, including your plans with Mervyn. I even "

Candice interrupted, "So, that business trip abroad when you slept with me, that was also planned?" Elio exhaled heavily before nodding.

"After you slept with me, what was your plan?"

Knowing he could no longer hide the truth, Elio confessed, "To get you pregnant and marry you."

"You almost succeeded," Candice said as she was referring to her pregnancy.

Elio smiled bitterly. With his reddened eyes, he lowered his head and murmured sadly, "I tried so hard, but in the end, I still couldn't defeat Mervyn." Candice was confused. She asked, "Why are you competing with Mervyn? Isn't it me you want?"

Elio coldly sneered. He asked her back, "In the end, didn't you choose Mervyn?"

Candice finally understood his feelings. She had been too shocked earlier to react when she was dragged away by Mervyn.

Elio continued his self-mocking, "I am indeed a despicable man. Just as Mervyn said, I'm toxic, despicable, I—"

Before he could finish, Candice suddenly stepped forward and hugged his waist. She practically threw herself into his embrace. Elio was stunned with his hands hovering awkwardly in the air. He had expected her to slap him and call him a bastard.

He never imagined she would hug him. His heart began to race as he froze in place.

Candice murmured while she was in

his embrace, "Mervyn and I are just

We're like siblings, so t

I

Viere's

nothing between us. Also, I didn't Choose him."

ret

Elio's heart skipped a beat. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his cheek against her head.

He asked sadly, "Are you still going to call off the engagement?

Candice gave a bitter smile as she said, "I'm not looking for a model student. I'm looking for a husband, who says my husband has to be kind and upright?"

Candice understood that Elio's upbringing had never been about kindness and integrity.

Taking over the Hoffis family's vast

empire at a young age and

becoming the wealthiest man in

Norvania meant his methods,

l

actions, and behavior were bound to be more ruthless than ordinary

people.

Elio held her tightly and whispered in her ear, "Candice, don't you hate me for what I've done?"

"No, I don't," Candice replied happily.

Now she knew why Elio had never dared to confess his feelings.\Chapter 936

If Candice didn't love Elio, all these things would be unforgivable offenses.

In Elio's heart, he didn't know about her love.

But the truth was, she loved Elio very much.

In her eyes, the wrongs Elio had done were just because of his deep love and his jealousy of her closeness to Mervyn.

Although they were all bad deeds, she couldn't bring herself to hate him. In fact, she felt somewhat moved.

Elio hugged Candice tightly because he was very happy that Candice had chosen him.

He had always loved her so cautiously.

After a while, Candice pushed Elio away and looked up at him. She said, "Mervyn is still waiting outside. He won't leave unless I talk to him." Elio said nervously, "Let's talk to him together."

Candice knew Mervyn too well. If Elio were there, Mervyn would act impulsively and even fight Elio. It was impossible for them to have a calm conversation.

"I'll go talk to him first," Candice said. Then, she let go of his hand and freed herself from Elio's embrace.

Elio grabbed her hand and then stared at her intensely. He asked, "Will you really come back?"

Candice smiled gently and asked him back, "I never thought of leaving you, so how could I come back?"

Elio was stunned.

After pushing his hand away, Candice stood on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. She shyly murmured, "I'm going home now."

Elio quietly watched her innocent and lovely face, which didn't seem like she was lying, but he just couldn't believe it.

As Candice turned to leave, he still felt low-spirited. He watched her back as various plans flashed through his mind.

Outside, Mervyn saw Candice coming out from inside. Without a word, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the front passenger seat. Then, he drove toward the Morrison Residence.

Mervyn asked angrily, "Out of all the men in the world, why Elio? You and him are from two different worlds. His life is all about work and making money. He's two-faced when he is dealing with business matters.

"He's always dealing with rich and powerful people. He is also surrounded by lots of beautiful women. The world he is staying in is full of deceit and greed.

"And you? You want to have a partner that you love. You are curious about the world, that's why you want to travel and explore, right? You and Elio are really not compatible."

Candice calmly replied, "But I like him."

Mervyn was so shocked that he slammed on the brakes.

Candice lurched forward from the inertia. Then, she was pulled back by the seatbelt. She was startled and nervous so she took a deep breath to calm herself. After that, she looked at him in confusion.

Mervyn gripped the steering wheel tightly and angrily asked, "Say that again?"

"I like Elio."

Mervyn's expression turned somber. As he gritted his teeth, he asked, "When did this start? Was it after the business trip? What sweet lies did he use to deceive you?"

Candice took a deep breath to calm herself. Then, she said, "I've liked him since I was young. I've almost forgotten how long I've liked him. I've liked him for at least ten years."

Mervyn laughed bitterly as his eyes grew teary. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Candice sighed heavily. She said, "Actually, everything you just told me about Elio deliberately setting me up, I don't feel angry at all. I also don't hate him. Instead, I feel happy, touched, and even nervous.

"You're beyond help!" Mervyn fumed as he hit the steering wheel to vent his anger.

Candice looked at him seriously and said, "Mervyn, we'll always be best friends."

Mervyn wore a bitter smile because he didn't want to accept this relationship.

"I'm going to marry Elio soon. We should keep some distance from now on, and avoid actions that could be easily misunderstood by him. Like today, don't pull me away from him so casually because I'm his woman.

Chapter 937

Mervyn's eyes reddened with anger as he yelled at Candice, "Candice, can you wake up from your love-struck haze? Elio is not suitable for you, and you will regret this sooner or later!"

"Whether he's suitable or not, I'll judge for myself, but I'll never regret it because this is my own choice," Candice responded firmly.

Mervyn was heartbroken.

Back at the Morrison Residence, Candice left Mervyn alone in the living room and quickly went upstairs.

With nothing else to do, Mervyn went home.

That evening, Candice expressed her thoughts to her grandparents and parents.

"I want to move in with Elio."

Her grandparents were against the idea, while Sienna and Daniel respected her decision.

Candice explained, "Elio and I have very little time together. If we don't build a stronger bond before marriage, how can we maintain a long-lasting marriage?"

Her grandparents were not close-minded. They were just reluctant to let her go.

She continued, "Besides, Josie likes Elio. Her aunt has been trying to sabotage my relationship with him."

Everyone was stunned. They asked, "Is it Fenna?"

Candice nodded. Then, they all looked at each other. They suddenly felt nervous about it.

They remembered how Fenna had once interfered in the relationship between Nathan and Wanda, so they all knew that her tactics were not ordinary. Sienna was the first to speak up, "I support you."

Candice smiled happily and hugged Sienna. She said, "Thanks, Mom."

...

The next evening, as the sun set and the sky turned red, a luxury car slowly drove into the villa's front yard.

Sean opened the door for Elio.

Elio got out of the car and walked

into the villa, with Sean

behind. He asked, "Mr. Hof

need dinner arrangementsava

"No."

you

"You ate very little during lunchtime, so you should eat something for dinner."

Elio impatiently replied, "When did you become so nagging?"

Sean immediately shut his mouth.

Entering the villa, the lights were turned on. Elio took off his suit jacket then pulled off his tie and handed it to Sean.

Sean respectfully asked, "Is there anything else you need?"

After sitting down on the sofa, Elio murmured weakly, "No, you can leave now."

"Okay, then..." Sean's voice trailed off.

His gaze fixed on the woman who suddenly appeared behind the sofa. She silently reached out from behind Elio and covered his eyes. She then smiled lightly at Sean and signaled him to keep quiet.

Sean was shocked because he feared that Elio might throw her over his shoulder on reflex.

Elio was surprised by the hands that covered his eyes. He froze in place and his heart raced for some reason.

In his life, this had never happened

before. No one who was this cute,

childish, or playful had ever covered

his eyes

and asked him to guess

who it was. He had no one around

who would create such surprises for him.

He used to envy Jasper because Candice often did this to him.

Jasper would intentionally guess wrong to make Candice happy for a while.

Elio's body tensed. He slowly reached up to feel the back of the hands over his eyes.

They were soft, delicate, and warm.

He could only hope it was Candice behind him. If it wasn't her, anyone else would be thrown out. "Candice?" Elio guessed softly. He was very excited and nervous.

Sean was amazed because it was the first time he saw Elio play along with such a childish game.

Chapter 938

When Candice heard Elio say her name, she was surprised. She put down her hands and leaned close to him, asking, "How did you know it was me?"

The moment Elio saw Candice, his stern face instantly relaxed. He gradually smiled as he replied, "I know it was you the moment I touched the back of your hand."

Candice looked at the back of her hand, puzzled.

Elio smiled gently. He would never guess anyone else except for her.

Candice stood up then walked around the sofa and sat down opposite Elio.

Sean greeted her politely, "Hello, Ms. Morrison."

Candice responded, "Hello, Mr. Lowe."

Elio waved his hand at Sean, signaling him to leave.

Sean put the clothes in the laundry room before leaving the villa.

As soon as the door closed, Elio leaned forward and softly asked, "When did you arrive? Why didn't you tell me in advance? Have you had dinner? Are you hungry?"

Candice was momentarily overwhelmed by his barrage of questions.

She felt like discussing the important matter, so she sat upright. She felt a bit nervous. Despite knowing Elio liked her, she was still afraid of being rejected.

She rubbed her hands as she forced a smile. She quietly said, "Elio, I want to move in with you. Is that okay?"

Elio froze as he thought he had misheard her. He asked in shock, "What did you say?"

Feeling embarrassed, Candice took a deep breath and mustered her courage to repeat herself. "I want to move in with you. Is that okay?" Seeing his astonished expression, Candice felt uneasy because she feared his rejection. If he rejected her, it would be very embarrassing. Before he could refuse, she forced a stiff smile and said calmly, "It's okay if you don't want to. I was just saying... I..."

As she said, she stood up, wanting to leave to not further embarrass herself.

Elio immediately stood up and grabbed her arm. He quickly said, "Sure, why not? This is your home."

Upon hearing his response, Candice was elated.

Feeling a bit nervous, Elio asked, "Did your family agree?"

Candice nodded.

Elio continued, "Just stay here tonight. I'll get you new clothes and daily necessities, so you don't have to move your luggage back and forth." Candice smiled and agreed, "Okay."

Elio's hand slid down from her arm to her palm. Holding her hand, he leaned closer and asked with a low and maic voice, "Are you sure?" Candice replied, "Yes, I'm sure."

Cupping her rosy and pretty face, Elio gazed into her clear eyes. He murmured, his voice hoarse, "Candice it's just me here. Living with me. you won't have a lively family atmosphere or other family members around. My place is boring and lonely. Are you really willing to stay with me?"

Candice's eyes sparkled with love as she playfully replied, "It used to be just you. From now on, you have me by your side. In the future, you'll never feel lonely or bored in this home."

Elio was so excited that he couldn't even react. At that moment, his heartbeat quickened.

Candice asked, "Which guest room will I be staying in?"

Guest room?

"You're moving in but not sleeping with me?"

Candice instantly blushed. She shyly looked down and said softly, "I think it's better to let both of us slowly get used to it because I used to sleep alone."

Elio cupped her face and looked at her shy expression. He said firmly "I've also slept alone for over 20 years. You're moving in to deepen our relationship, right?"

Candice nodded.

Elio continued with a firm attitude, "Then starting today, we'll adapt to each other's presence. We can start by sharing a bed."

Chapter 939

"But..." Candice hesitated.

Elio nervously asked, "But what?"

Candice's face grew even redder and her body became warmer. She shyly rested her head on his chest and said, "I'm afraid of getting pregnant before marriage."

Elio couldn't help but laugh. He just tightly held her in his arms.

She looked so shy revealing it that it made Elio feel a bit embarrassed too.

They just hugged each other quietly for a while without saying anything.

After a moment, they sat on the sofa. As Candice nestled in Elio's arms, she browsed her phone to order takeout.

Since neither of them could cook and it was too late to ask the chef to come over, they decided to make do with something simple.

Elio wanted to order from a highly-rated restaurant, but Candice refused.

Growing up, her family had strictly controlled her diet and didn't let her eat any food that was unhealthy.

Elio was also the same.

Candice was worried that Elio might be as strict as her family, so she asked cautiously, "Should we have a barbecue?"

Elio asked, "Grilled Wagyu beef?"

"No, I mean street food barbecue," she replied.

"It's not very hygienic, and the food isn't the freshest or the best. Also..."

Candice pouted and pleaded, "I want to try it."

Looking at her pitiful eyes, Elio found it hard to refuse her request, even though he knew the food was unhealthy and unsanitary.

Upon clicking on the highest-selling barbecue restaurant, Elio was shocked at the low prices.

Candice leaned against him and peeked at his phone screen. She added, "I want to drink beer too."

Elio frowned. "Candice, you-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Candice kissed him on the cheek.

Elio froze in place. His heart skipped a beat as he looked at her in surprise.

With her big, pleading eyes and innocent expression, Candice looked like an adorable kitten. After kissing him, she said pitifully, "My family neverlet never let me drink. Now that 'm free,

I want to try things I couldn't before."

"I won't allow it either-" As Elio started to refuse, Candice suddenly cupped his face and kissed his lips passionately.

Elio was stunned and his body

stiffened. He looked at her intensely

in't help but gulp.

e as his breath quickened.

He

sw

"Elio, please... Let's have barbecue and beer," she pleaded.

At that moment, Elio felt very hot. He gulped before replying with a hoarse voice, "Okay, you can have whatever you want."

Candice happily added, "I also want fried chicken."

Elio smiled as he agreed, "Sure."

Even if she wanted to devour him, he would gladly let her.

Elio quickly ordered all the food she wanted.

Half an hour later, the food arrived.

Elio personally went to get it. He brought in half a dozen beers, spicy fried chicken, and two boxes of various barbecued skewers. The table was filled with food, and they sat across from each other.

Candice opened a beer and raised

her can to Elio. She grinned. "Elion et

let's celebrate our cohabitation. May god bless us with happiness!"

Elio quickly raised his glass and said, "Cheers."

Candice said, "Cheers."

After clinking glasses, she took a sip.

The beer's carbonation made her wince. She then let out a relaxed sigh.

Elio found her expression endearing and cute.

He took a sip of his beer as well. After that, he handed her a pair of disposable gloves and a piece of barbecued meat.

Candice looked at it and asked, "What's this?"

Elio smiled lightly. He replied, "I don't know. I ordered it based on popularity."

Candice didn't ask further and took a bite. As she bit the meat, she exclaimed, "It's delicious!"

Chapter 940

Elio felt increasingly pleased watching Candice's satisfied expression.

He originally didn't intend to have dinner, but now with Candice's company, he had an appetite to eat.

They drank beer, ate fried chicken, and had a barbecue together.

After two cans of beer, Candice was already tipsy, making her eyes glazed and her speech incoherent.

Elio was used to strong liquor, so these beers had no effect on him.

He walked over to her and carried her upstairs.

As Candice caressed his head, she murmured, "Elio, from now on, I'll protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Elio smiled wryly. He said, "Candice, you shouldn't drink. Don't drink anymore."

Leaning against his shoulder, she murmured, "Elio, why don't you like me?"

Elio gently placed her on the master bedroom's large bed. After removing her shoes, he covered her with a blanket. He responded to her drunken words, "I do like you."

With her eyes closed, Candice pouted as if about to cry. She asked, "Why don't you like me?"

Elio caressed her head and kissed her lips. He said softly, "I like you, Candice. I like you a lot." Candice responded as she was satisfied, "Mhm."

After kissing her, Elio sighed, "You can't handle alcohol. You blabber nonsense when you're drunk."

After covering her with the blanket, Elio stood up and removed his watch. He began to unbutton his shirt as he walked toward the bathroom.

While Elio was showering the door suddenly opened. He was startled, so he quickly grabbed a towel to cover himself.

Candice straight away rushed in. She lifted her dress and removed her innerwear. Then, she sat on the toilet to relieve herself. Elio stared at her intensely as his breath became irregular. As the water cascaded over him, his body temperature rose.

Candice, who was half-drunk, glanced at Elio. Due to the effect of the alcohol, her face flushed, making her look seductive.

She kicked off her underwear and stood up. She began to unbutton her shirt as she walked toward Elio.

The loud noise of the automatic toilet flushing and the shower spray filled the room.

Candice murmured softly, "I want to take a shower too."

Unable to hear her clearly, Elio only saw her walking toward him. When she was in front of him, she was. already naked. Then, she threw herself into his arms.

He found it hard to breathe as he was growing shy. He slightly open his mouth to calm his breathing. Holding her soft body, he was afraid that she might fall.

Candice's hands roamed over his wet chest. She mumbled, "Your chest muscles are so firm... How can they be so firm..."

Elio gulped. He couldn't resist

anymore, so he lowered his head to

kiss her lips. As he kissed her, he caressed the back of her head before pulling her under the shower.

He kissed her while helping her bathe with warm water.

As they bathed, he couldn't resist making love to her right there.

Under the effect of the alcohol, Candice was very daring and cooperative.

From the bathroom to the bed, Elio thoroughly enjoyed the process. He realized that drunk Candice was the sexiest and irresistible, driving him crazy.

Late at night, Candice fell asleep in Elio's arms as she was exhausted.

Elio held her warm and soft body. As he closed his eyes, he touched her smooth back, basking in the memories of their sexual interactions.

Her body was very fragrant and soft.

After a round of sex, Elio could easily have a boner again.

At that moment, the phone on the bedside table suddenly rang.

Elio took Candice's phone and saw the caller ID. It was Mervyn.

Upon seeing his name, he instantly felt sad. Instead of answering the phone, he hung up.

Moments later, Mervyn called again.

Elio was annoyed by the disturbance, so he switched off the phone.